Rams expect David Edwards to play 4 positions on offensive lineBy: Cameron DaSilva
When the pick was announced that the Los Angeles Rams were taking Wisconsin offensive tackle David Edwards, there was some uncertainty about where he’ll play on the offensive line. After all, the Rams have two of the best tackles in the league in Andrew Whitworth and Rob Havenstein, and Edwards only played right tackle for the Badgers.
Being a former tight end and high school quarterback, Edwards is a good athlete with solid movement skills for a man his size. He’s going to get a shot to play at positions besides right tackle, which offensive line coach Aaron Kromer made very clear on Saturday afternoon.
“You always ask that and I always tell you the same thing,” Kromer joyfully told Myles Simmons, who asked where Edwards will play. “He’s going to play four spots. He’s going to play both tackles and both guards. It’s the fastest way to learn football and then we’ll find out where he fits best.”
This is the typical approach for the Rams with Kromer coaching the offensive linemen. He loves to “cross-train” them, as Sean McVay says, trying them at multiple positions before settling at one spot. Rodger Saffold played several spots before Kromer arrived in 2017 and locked him in at left guard.
Joseph Noteboom joined the Rams as a tackle, but he’s projected to be the team’s starting left guard in 2019. Austin Blythe made the switch from center to right guard and played at a high level last season.
Edwards told reporters that he played left tackle in spring ball, but otherwise, he only played right tackle. He’d be open to moving inside, though, if the Rams felt it was best for him and the team.
“Yeah, I think if I had the opportunity and the reps to play at guard and even at center, I would definitely welcome that,” he said. “Wherever they decide to play me and give me the opportunity is fine with me. I have no reservations on moving inside or playing at any other position.”
Edwards can compete with Noteboom at left guard, Blythe at right guard and if he doesn’t become a starter in 2019, the Rams will give him the chance to either back up those guys at guard or succeed Whitworth in 2020 at left tackle.
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theramswire.usatoday.com]
